Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight? Exploring 3x NBA MVP’s availability vs Suns (Oct. 13) | 2024 NBA preseason

The Denver Nuggets should see a large turnout for their game against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Sunday with Nikola Jokic set to make an appearance for the home team. The three-time NBA MVP is healthy and is expected to suit up for the 2023 champions.

With the NBA regular season set to tipoff on Oct. 22, coaches are using the preseason to experiment with different lineups and offer some of the roster's fringe players a chance to show what they can do. Jokic is expected to start, but will likely see limited minutes.

This will be the Nuggets' third warmup game with the first two taking place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi against the Boston Celtics. After losing both those preseason games, coach Michael Malone will be keen to get the Nuggets back to winning ways.

Nikola Jokic featured in both the international games against the Celtics. In his team's 107-103 loss on Oct. 4, the Serbian center played 17 minutes. He was extremely efficient, finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. On Oct. 6, Jokic had another strong performance, recording 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists over just 19 minutes.

The Nuggets will turn to to the 6-foot-11 center to once again guide them back to the NBA finals in 2024-25. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are there as well to provide support for Jokic. The Nuggets also signed former MVP Russell Westbrook this offseason and the nine-time All-Star should provide some additional firepower.

Nikola Jokic is aiming to become just the sixth player in NBA history to win 4 MVP awards

Nikola Jokic finished the 2023/24 season with remarkable statistics. The versatile center proved once again that he can contribute in all facets of the game. He ranked ninth in the league in points (26.4), third in assists (9.0), fourth in rebounds (12.6) and 30th in blocks (0.9).

Jokic was rewarded for his big season by being voted the league MVP for the third time in four seasons. The 29-year-old joins NBA legends Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Moses Malone as players who currently have three awards.

Next season, Jokic will be aiming for another MVP trophy and joining an elite group of superstars. Only LeBron James (4), Wilt Chamberlain (4), Michael Jordan (5), Bill Russell (5) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6) have won four or more MVP titles.